Wharton l



No. 609,05. Patented Aug. l6, I898.

W. L. WEST.

MOISTENER FOB GUIIMED SURFACES.

(Apgliution filed Sept. 20, 1897.)

(No Model.)

W/TNESSES: INVENTOH ATTORNEY-5 rm: uoams PETERS co. PMoTo-Lm. WASNINOTON. D. c.

NITE

FFIQEQ WI-IARTON L. WEST, or PORTLAND, onueomnssieuon TO FRANK M. PRINDLE AND JOSEPH D. JOHNSON, or SAN FRANCISCO, GALI- FORNIA.

MOISTENER FOR GUMMED SURFACES.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 609,175, dated August 16, 1898. Application fil d September 20, 1897. Serial No. 652,360. (No model.)

Gummed Surfaces; and I do hereby declare the following to be a full, clear, and exact descriptionof said invention, such as will enable others skilled in the art to which it most nearly appertains to make, use, and

practice the same.

This invention relates to improvements in moisteners for gummed surfaces; and it consists in the novel arrangement and construction of the parts, as hereinafter set forth.

In thedrawings, Figure 1 is a view of the invention, showing its manner of application. Fig. 2 is a longitudinal section of the thimble or shell of the device. Fig. 3 is-a longitudinal section of the device complete.

The device herein shown is designed to permit of ready and convenient use of the artiole in its employment as a moistener for gummed surfaces, such as the gummed sides of stamps or the edge of envelops. It consists of a thimble or shell A, which is constructed from any suitable material, such as gold, silver, rubber, celluloid, or other nonabsorbent material. In shape it is constructed cylindrically, with the forward end cut to an angle most convenient for applying the opening flatly to the surface which it is desired to moisten while the hand is me horizontal position, as shown in Fig. 1. The inner diameter of the thimble is formed to a convenient,

size and to various sizes to fit the end of the first finger of the person. WVithin this thimble or shell A it is designed to hold a small sponge B. The sponge is formedof a size to partly fill the thimble or shell, as shown in Fig. 3. When adjusted to its desired position within the thimble or shell, the forward end of the sponge is projected while dry be yond the end of the thimble.

It is to maintain the sponge in its desired position that the forward edge of the thimble is provided with the curl or inward flange C. When the sponge dries, as above described, it becomes set in the form in which it is driedthatis, the end which is projected is of greater bulk than the opening of the flange 0, so that it fastens the sponge in the end of the thimble or shell A.

In its employment the sponge B is either moistened by pouring water into the upper part of the thimble or shell A and permitting the sponge to become moistened by absorbing the same or it is dipped into water and allowed to become moistened by absorption upward. When moistened and ready gages his finger from the thimble or shell A I and lays the device aside. When the finger is withdrawn,the compression which has been placed upon the sponge B is relieved and the sponge is permitted to expand and absorb the water which has remained within the sponge. This leaves the sponge in a comparatively dry condition, but with a certain amount of moisture which may be called into use at any time by repeating the operation above described.

Having thus described this invention, it is claimed 1. A moistener for gummed surfaces and the like comprising a thimble open at both ends,one end of said thimble being contracted, and a sponge or like member contained within said thimble and projecting therefrom, said sponge being retained in position by the contracted portion, and the thimble being adapted to receive a finger in its end opposite the sponge; substantially as described.

2. A moistener for gummed surfaces .and

the like comprising a thimble open at both ends,the material of said thimble being turned inwardly at one end to present a flange for holding a sponge or similar member within 10 flange being adapted to retain a sponge or similarmember within the thimble but projecting therefrom, and the opposite end of said thimble being adapted to receive a finger; substantially as described.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set I 5 my hand this 16th day of September, 1897.

WHARTON L. WEST.

Witnesses:

CHARLES WOODWARD, ALFRED S. CAMERON. 

